Also see: Breadboard | Stripboard |
PCB
If you are building a project from this website or a magazine the type of circuit board will have been decided for you. The three most important types are described below:
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| Photograph © Rapid Electronics |
This is a way of making a temporary circuit, for testing purposes or to try out an idea. No soldering is required and all the components can be re-used afterwards. It is easy to change connections and replace components. Almost all the Electronics Club projects started life on a breadboard to check that the circuit worked as intended.
For further details please see the Breadboard page.
Permanent, soldered
Stripboard has parallel strips of copper track on one side. The strips are 0.1" (2.54mm) apart and there are holes every 0.1" (2.54mm). Stripboard requires no special preparation other than cutting to size. It can be cut with a junior hacksaw, or simply snap it along the lines of holes by putting it over the edge of a bench or table and pushing hard.
For further details please see the Stripboard page.
Printed circuit boards have copper tracks connecting the holes where the components are placed. They are designed specially for each circuit and make construction very easy. However, producing the PCB requires special equipment so this method is not recommended if you are a beginner unless the PCB is provided for you.
For further details please see the Printed Circuit Board page.
